Djokovic battles to Australian Open final

MELBOURNE - World number one Novak Djokovic is in the final of the Australian Open after overcoming the defending champion, Stanislas Wawrinka from switzerland, 7-6(1) 3-6 6-4 4-6 6-0 on Friday.

Djokovic's play was marked by constant fluctuations, but he was excellent in the 5th set and managed to secure the 5th Australian Open final in his career. He took the title in each of the previous four, in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

This victory puts the head-to-head score between Djokovic and Wawrinka at 17-3 in the Serb's favour and also serves as a form of payback, since Wawrinka ousted Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the last year's Australian Open.

Djokovic will face Andy Murray in the final, in a bid to win his 8th Grand Slam. Currently, Djokovic is ahead 15-8 in matches against Murray.

He has already beaten Murray in two Australian Open finals, in 2011 and 2013.

AP Photo/Vincent Thian